HAMILTON – It was a top-ranked showdown on Cotterell Court Friday evening as the Colgate volleyball program hosted Patriot League leader American. Although the teams battled through narrow sets, the third-placed Raiders fell in a 3-0 final.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED – 3-0 LOSS TO AMERICAN
A quick start by the Raiders resulted in a 3-0 scoring run midway through the opening set that pushed into an American timeout as Colgate led 15-12. As streaky as the match was, it became apparent when a five-point run by the Eagles lifted them to a 19-16 lead, before Colgate regained the top spot by a 20-19 margin after another run. Ultimately, American forced a fifth lead change in the set to earn a 25-23 victory.

Colgate continued to hold early leads through the second set, when they pushed the Eagles to call a timeout trailing 18-15. It was late in the set when yet another three-point run was what helped American claim the set in extra points by a 27-25 margin. That momentum carried over into Colgate's must-win third set, and although the Raiders tallied three straight points at match point, American sealed the match in the 3-0 final.
 
STATISTICAL STANDOUTS
• For her team-leading eighth double-double of the season, freshman Julia Kurowski posted 32 assists and 12 digs. It marks her second double-double in the last three matches.
• Each earning 10 kills, the Colgate offense was led by senior Jaelah Hutchison and sophomore Alli Lowe. Hutchison also led the team with a .643 hitting percentage, just shy of her season-high against Delaware of .667.
• Junior Alex Stein registered an error-free reception on 20 attempts on the night, in addition to posting 10 digs and one of the Raiders two service aces. It marks Stein's eighth match of the season with a perfect serve reception.
• The pair of conference foes battled through 31 tie scores and 13 lead changes, including a game-high of 11 ties and five lead changes in the extra-point second set.
• Freshman Hailey Horn-Bostel made an impact at the net with five kills, one service ace, and two total blocks on the night. It marks her first ace in her career.
  
THE BOTTOM LINE
• American 3, Colgate 0 (25-23, 27-25, 25-22)
 
RECORD UPDATES
• Colgate holds a 13-12 record overall and is now 8-5 in Patriot League play.
• American holds its undefeated 13-0 record in the patriot League, and improves to 19-9 overall.
 
COACH BAKER'S TAKE
"Overall, there were some definite bright spots, especially Jaelah Hutchison and Hailey Horn-Bostel.  Both of them played well."
 
"I was disappointed with our effort at times.  I felt American played harder than us more often, which isn't acceptable."
 
"Tomorrow will be another tough match and we need to play harder and scrappier than tonight."
 
UP NEXT
The Raiders continue Patriot League action tomorrow as they host Navy in a 3 p.m. first serve. Be sure to get to Cotterell Court early, as the team will be honoring the four seniors prior to the match for Senior Day.
 
FOLLOW THE RAIDERS
For more information on the Colgate volleyball program, follow the Raiders on Twitter @ColgateVB and on Instagram at Colgate_VB.